After starting his career as a classically trained opera vocalist and a stint in the U.K. spent honing his songwriting skills, Vancouver-based singer Mathew V has experienced a meteoric rise as a vocal pop artist.
In the short time since his return to Canada, the rising pop star has achieved widespread critical and commercial acclaim with a succession of top 40 singles, praise from publishers such as Nylon and Billboard, and a growing musical catalogue that is quickly approaching 50 million streams.
Despite the speed of his ascent, Mathew continues to produce new music that showcases his evolution as an artist–including 10 new tracks in 2021 alone–and next month, the talented vocalist’s new EP “The Outer Circle” will hit streaming platforms across the country and beyond.
We recently had a chance to chat with the multifaceted Vancouver-based musician, who took some time from his busy schedule to share a few of his favourite food and drink spots in his hometown.
Breakfast
Carbs call to me in my sleep, and Siegel’s bagels are among the loudest voices. They have a setup right in the middle of the Granville Island market, and you can smell/see them working their magic in their giant cavernous oven.
The Rosemary Rock-Salt Bagel is what got me hooked and I haven’t looked back since. A simple classic done so well.
Lunch
Walking into Per Se Social Corner is like being transported to a two-story cocktail bar in Soho. I was introduced to this spot by my partner and his co-workers who regularly go to the spot at least three times a week (no joke.)
I’m not a burger person, I would never pick it off of a menu anywhere…except here. Their signature burger is one of the best food items I have ever put in my mouth. They grind the meat in house and it is the perfect mix of sweet, salty and rich. Yes please.
Dinner
The Red Accordion has mastered innovative yet elevated cuisine with the feeling of home. The interior looks like a converted heritage home. No two tables have the same perspective/experience. Meals are served off of what looks to be family china, and it has a vibe that makes you want to stay a while.
The character and care taken in the decor fully translates to the menu. A perfect mix of familiar dishes (done even better) and innovative twists (fried dough, & handmade sausages… I’m sold.) I like to try any chef's specials that are on, because the team in the kitchen really knows what they are doing.
Drinks
This may not be the conventional answer that most people are looking for, but as someone who doesn’t drink alcohol…when I’m craving a treat to drink, it’s a Lucy’s Milkshake from Lucy’s Eastside Diner.
This quaint old school diner has the best milkshakes in town. They have a bunch of flavours and you can make ‘em boozy if that’s your style! It’s well priced, done well and open late!
